Yoga for Pitta - This is how you bring your Pitta into balance
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, alongside Kapha and Vata. These are the three bioenergies which are differently pronounced in everyone and significantly determine one's individuality. Pitta consists of the elements fire and water and is responsible for our metabolism and digestion. In life, it stands for transformation and change. Since the fire element dominates the Pitta dosha, Pitta types are passionate in everything they do. They are fiery personalities, get involved, know what they want, and have an affinity for speed, challenges, and stress. So much passion is beautiful, as it is the fuel for creativity and diversity. However, with too much Pitta, feelings can also flip to the opposite. If you are a type with too much Pitta, you can become very irritable or aggressive. You become restless, sleep less well, and quickly notice that you are not in balance with yourself. Do you recognize yourself in this description?
Simple yoga exercises bring your Pitta into balance
To cool down your fiery temperament a bit, you can help with Yoga for Pitta. Proven yoga breathing exercises will especially help you to relax, slow down and also "cool down" in both the literal and figurative sense. The asanas or pranayamas are simple, pleasant, and can be easily integrated into your workday. Grab your mat and try it out right away!
Shitali Pranayama – the cooling breath
The name speaks for itself. With this breathing exercise, you dampen your fire so you don't get burned. It helps you to cool down your body and your mind. If your aggression level shoots up and the heat rises to your head, do the following:
Assume an upright position in the cross-legged posture (at work a chair will do too).
Lift your head a little, roll your tongue into a tube, and stick it out to your lips.
Now inhale audibly with a hissing sound through the rolled lips.
Hold the air for about 5 seconds.
Now close your mouth, exhale through your nose, and lower your head back to the normal position.
You can now repeat this exercise up to 15 times.
Murccha Pranayama – harmonizes your Pitta and grants you peace
Another beautiful Yoga for Pitta breathing exercise, which is made to bring your Pitta to the right level and is equally pleasant and convenient in the workday. This asana focuses and helps you to breathe consciously and above all, focused. There are several variations of this exercise or intensity levels. Since Pitta types tend to always set higher goals for themselves, it should be said here: Listen to your body with every exercise, stay natural, and don't do anything unpleasant. Let's go
Once again, assume a sitting position, keep your back straight.
Now inhale in the intensity you need, directing your attention to your forehead chakra.
Hold the air for a few seconds (about 4) and then slowly exhale completely for about twice as long. Let go of everything mentally and physically.
Then you inhale again and intensify the exhalation by exhaling even longer.
You repeat this process and try each time to extend the exhalation.
Avoid any pressure on yourself, though. It is not about exhaling as long as possible, but rather about getting into a relaxed mode. The more relaxed you are, the more enjoyable the exhalation will be.
After these asanas, you are guaranteed to feel better, more relaxed, and able to look at things with more calm and balance. You may get a new perspective on things that have been occupying you and thrown your Pitta out of balance. Savor this moment longer, make yourself a delicious Ayurveda tea, and listen to your inner self. By the way, our European Ayurveda® Herbal and Spice Tea Pitta is just right for your after-yoga me-time. Yoga is a gentle, conscious, and loving way to get to know yourself and helps you to bring your body and mind to a new spiritual level.
Elisabeth Naschberger-Mauracher
Elisabeth Naschberger-Mauracher is the managing director and Ayurveda expert at the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Thiersee, Tyrol. Since 2019, she and her husband have jointly managed the Ayurveda resort, which has received numerous awards, including: Global Winner: Detox Program, Best Medical Spa Award, and World Luxury Hotel & Spa Award.
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